The Crizonix

Crizonix is the global first generic preparation of Crizotinib. Crizonix is indicated as the first-line treatment of adults with ALK-positive advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer(NSCLC) and ROS-1 positive NSCLC. Crizotinib is an ALK and ROS-1 (c-ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase) inhibitor.

Special features of Crizonix-

  • Manufactured in a dedicated oncology facility
  • Quality of Crizonix is to that of International Standard GMP compliant
  • Affordable to all patients
  • Worldwide delivery to your door step.

How does it work in ALK+ NSCLC?

Advances in genetic research have revealed that Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is not a single disease, but rather many types of cancer with specific genetic differences. Because of these small but important differences, lung cancer medicines that target specific genes, such as anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), can be developed.

Everyone has the ALK gene in their cells. When a part of it breaks off and reattaches in the wrong way, it becomes an abnormal ALK gene. This may cause the cell to multiply out of control and cause a type of lung cancer to grow. This type of lung cancer is called ALK-positive (ALK+) NSCLC.

Crizotinib treats ALK+ NSCLC that has spread to other parts of the body. By blocking the action of the abnormal ALK gene, Crizotinib may  shrink or slow the growth of tumors.

How does it work in  ROS-1+ NSCLC?

The ROS-1 gene makes a protein called ROS, which is found within the membrane of human cells. The ROS protein plays an important role in cell growth and cell specialization. Abnormalities in in the ROS-1 gene can lead to a type of lung cancer known as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

About 1% to 2% of individuals with NSCLC have an abnormality in which the ROS-1 gene is fused to parts of another gene. So-called “ROS-1 translocations” are more common in lung cancer patients who are nonsmokers and relatively young (average age of 50 years)..

In normal cells, the ROS-1 gene makes a protein that regulates cell growth and division. When the ROS-1 gene fuses with another gene, the mutated DNA sequence creates an abnormal protein that can cause unregulated cell growth, leading to the development of cancer. The ROS protein and a protein called ALK have similar structure and function.

How to take Crizotinib?

 Crizonix (Crizotinib) is a pill you take twice a day, with or without food. If your doctor prescribes CRIZITONIB, make sure you:

  • take Crizotinib exactly as your doctor tells you.
  • swallow Crizotinib capsules whole.
  • do not change your dose or stop taking Crizotinib unless your doctor tells you.
  • do not take more than 1 dose of Crizotinib at a time.
  • do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit as long as you are taking Crizotinib. It may make the amount of Crizotinib in your blood increase to a harmful level.
  • call your doctor right away if you take too much Crizotinib.

Crizotinib should be taken twice a day, without interruption. In other words, there are no “cycles” or scheduled times when you should stop taking Crizotinib and then begin taking it again. Your doctor will regularly check your blood and heart during treatment.

What if you miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of CRIZITONIB, take it as soon as you remember EXCEPT if your next scheduled dose is in less than 6 hours. In that case, just take the next pill at your regular time. But be sure to tell your doctor or nurse about your missed dose at your next visit. If you vomit after taking a dose of CRIZITONIB, do not take an extra dose, just take your next dose at your regular time.

What are the Side Effects?

The most common side effects of Crizotinib include:

Vision problems

These problems usually happen within 1 week of starting Crizotinib. Crizotinib may cause changes in your vision or make you feel tired or dizzy. If you have these symptoms, avoid driving a car, using machinery or doing anything that needs you to be alert.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any change in vision, such as:

double vision, flashes of light, blurred vision, light hurting your eyes, new or increased floaters.

 Other common side effects of CRIZITONIB include:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • constipation
  • swelling of your hands and feet
  • increase in liver enzymes that may indicate liver injury
  • upper respiratory infection
  • loss of appetite
  • taste alteration

Crizotinib has been known to cause serious side effects, including:

Liver problems

Crizotinib may cause life-threatening or fatal liver injury. Your doctor should do blood tests at least every month to check your liver while you are taking Crizotinib. Tell your doctor right away if you get any of the following:

  •  skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow
  • feel tired
  •  urine turns dark or brown (tea color)
  •  have nausea or vomiting
  •  have a decreased appetite
  •  have pain on the right side of your stomach
  •  bleed or bruise more easily than normal
  •  have itching

Lung problems (pneumonitis)

Crizotinib may cause life threatening or fatal swelling (inflammation) of the lungs during treatment. Symptoms may be similar to those symptoms from lung cancer. Tell your doctor right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms, including:

  • trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • cough with or without mucous
  • fever

Heart problems

Crizotinib may cause very slow, very fast or abnormal heartbeats. Your doctor may check your heart during treatment with Crizotinib. Tell your doctor right away if you feel dizzy, or faint or have abnormal heartbeats. Tell your doctor if you take any heart or blood pressure medications.

Vision problems

CRIZOTINIB may cause partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes. Tell your doctor right away if you have any loss of vision or tell your doctor if you have any change in vision such as difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes. Your doctor may stop CRIZOTINIB treatment and refer you to an eye doctor if you develop severe vision problems while taking CRIZOTINIB.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, Crizotinib can harm your unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective methods of birth control during treatment with Crizotinib and for at least 45 days after the last dose of Crizotinib. Men who take Crizotinib, who have a female partner who can get pregnant, should use birth control during treatment and for at least 90 days after stopping Crizotinib. Talk to your doctor about the birth control methods that may be right for you. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, tell your doctor right away.